Training and apprenticeships 46 www.aftermarketonline.net DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 LKQ Academy has opened its new headquarters in Tamworth as the group continues its investment to support the independent aftermarket. The new site is located at LKQ’s T1 site at Birch Coppice Business Park and will be the only location in the country where garage and bodyshop customers can access the full range of LKQ Academy courses. The opening in October was part of a major growth drive for LKQ Academy and forms one of 10 new centres the business is opening across the UK, which are set to create a total of 12,000 seats on 87 different courses. Meanwhile, the academy has also seen the recruitment of new specialist instructors and has signed an exclusive contract with the Garage Inspector, Andy Savva, to deliver training over the next three years. And it has launched a dedicated training proposition for bodyshops, which is designed to support and upskill technicians in line with the pace of change in the UK car parc. Lee Chapman, head of support and the LKQ Academy, said: “Our new training centre is integral to our commitment to helping independent garages and bodyshops to upskill for the future, and will act as a central hub for our operations from which our best-in-class training can ripple outwards. “The LKQ Academy is undergoing a period of significant growth and investment, as we respond to acute demand for upskilling in the context of a rapidly changing and increasingly sophisticated and sustainable UK car parc.” Shaftec newcomers start climbing skills ladder Birmingham-based remanufacturer Shaftec Automotive has added two new upand-comers, Jacob and Finley, to its Electric Power Steering (EPS) Department as engineering fitter apprentices. Both Jacob and Finley have recently completed their time at school, achieving the necessary GCSEs to embark on their careers with Shaftec. Their journey toward becoming skilled engineers has now begun, and the remanufacturer is incredibly excited to be supporting them every step of the way. Both apprentices will receive hands-on training from Shaftec’s experienced and talented team on site. Additionally, they will be supported by MAKE UK, a renowned organisation specialising in manufacturing and engineering apprenticeship training. Shaftec said this combination of practical, on-the-job experience and expert-guided education ensures that Jacob and Finley are set up for success in their future careers. The pair have now finished their induction period, during which they have familiarised themselves with the team and the environment at Shaftec. This is the first step in what promises to be an enriching and fulfilling journey towards becoming qualified engineers. Shaftec operations manager Andrew Ferber, himself a former apprentice, has expressed his delight in welcoming Jacob and Finley to the company. He knows first-hand the immense value that apprenticeships bring, not only to the individuals but also to the business as a whole. Andrew’s own experience has made him a strong advocate for Shaftec’s apprenticeship programme, and he played a pivotal role in selecting the right candidates who align with the growth and values of the company. As for Jacob and Finley, their exciting new chapter with Shaftec is just beginning, and the company is confident that they will grow into exceptional engineers, contributing to the continued success of the team. /.4 $FDGHP\ ODXQFKHV ᎯDJVKLS WUDLQLQJ FHQWUH
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